Mississippi State catcher Elih Marrero arrested

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State catcher Elih Marrero was arrested Saturday on charges of driving under the influence and no insurance, according to the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office. He was released on bond.

Marrero hasn’t played since Feb. 21 because of off the field issues, coach Andy Cannizaro said earlier this season.

“It’s kind of a week-to-week thing with him,” Cannizaro said earlier this season when asked about Marrero’s status with the team. “There’s some things going on that are just going to keep him from being out on the field with us right now. So he needs to take care of his responsibilities and priorities away from the field, in the classroom and off the field.”

MSU did not issue a statement regarding Marrero's arrest.

A sophomore, Marrero batted fifth and was the designated hitter on opening day. He has played in only four games, making two starts, and is 0-for-10.

Marrero hit only .233 last year in 150 at-bats. He appeared in 43 games and made 36 starts, including the opening day nod at catcher as a freshman.

The expectations were high for Marrero, a son of former MLB catcher Eli Marrero, when he joined the Bulldogs. In high school, Marrero was ranked as the No. 124 in Baseball America’s Top-500 prospects for the 2015 MLB Draft.

Marrero hasn't dressed with the team since he last played, but he is still listed on the official roster. With Marrero’s status unclear, MSU has operated with two catchers this season. Josh Lovelady is the everyday starter and freshman Dustin Skelton is serving as the backup.

ContactWill Sammon at 601-961-7116 orwsammon@gannett.com. Follow him onTwitter.